Obituaries June 2016
Katheryn Virginia (Freeman) Bryant age 87 years, 4 months, and 5 days, of Greenwood, Kentucky, passed away Friday, June 24, 2016 peacefully at her home with her family by her side.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 3:30 pm at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Hap Strunk, Bro. James Harmon, and Bro. Roger Bryant officiating. Burial followed in the Greenwood Cemetery.
She was born February 19, 1929 in Greenwood, Kentucky to George and Lula (Bolton) Freeman. Katheryn was a lifetime member of the Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church and was very active within the church. She had taught Sunday School for over 25 years, produced church Christmas plays, and worked in the Vacation Bible School. She was a member of the 4-H club and was also a Kentucky Colonel. Katheryn had worked as Substitute Teacher in the McCreary County School System and a Columnist for the local newspaper writing about the Senior Citizens News in her column, Katheryn’s Corner. In her spare time, she volunteered at the Comprehensive Care Center, Children’s Cancer Fund, and Hospice. Katheryn was known for her fish fry’s and cooking skills. She enjoyed fishing and hunting with her husband and because of her squirrel hunting skills, she acquired the nickname, “Eagle Eye”. Katheryn had many hobbies and activities she enjoyed, but foremost she was a loving wife and mother. She will always be remember for her true from the heart smile that could light up a room.
Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Oval Bryant; brothers, Winifer Freeman, Earl Freeman, and George Freeman, Jr.; and sisters, Geneva Sprague and Ella Siler.
Survivors include her daughters, Andrea Berman and husband, Jonathan of Salt Lake City, Utah, Myra Weir and husband, Ivan of the Greenwood Community in Parkers Lake, Kentucky, and Edwinna Theirl and husband, William of Lexington, Kentucky; a sister, Dorothy Hadding of Lima, Ohio; grandchildren Leia Theirl, Lucas Theirl, and Zachary Theirl a great-grandchild, Isabella Portillo, and many other family members and friends.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.strunkfuneralhome.net
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Mrs. Katheryn Bryant.
Teresa Minton, age 54, of Muncie, Indiana passed away Saturday June 18, 2016. Graveside service were Saturday June 25, 2016 at the Jones Cemetery in Strunk, Kentucky.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family of Teresa Minton with her funeral arrangements.
Larry J. Spradlin, 55, passed away Thursday, June 23, 2016 at his residence.
He was born in Danville, KY on July 28, 1960 to Richard Eugene Spradlin and Della Mae (Roberts) Spradlin. Both parents precede him in death.
Larry graduated high school and served in the United States Army.
He will be sadly missed by his brothers, Richard (wife, Cheri) Spradlin of Strunk, KY; Gary (wife, Brenda) Spradlin of Pine Knot, KY; sisters, Selma Jean Lantz of IL; Carolyn Spradlin of Cincinnati, OH; daughters, Courtney Abston and Whitney; his good friends, Allen and Leimamo Gruwell of Hartford City; half-brother, Jess Burchfield; half-sisters, Teresa Burchfield and Lisa Ross.
Larry will be cremated.
Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N. High St. Hartford City is in charge of local arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to www.keplingerfuneralhome.com
Charletta Lou Sumner age 75 years, 7 months, and 10 days, of the Marshes Siding Community of Whitley City, Kentucky, passed away Friday, June 24, 2016 at the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Center in Somerset, Kentucky.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Eddie King officiating. Burial followed in the Taylor Ridge Cemetery.
She was born November 14, 1940 in Worley, Kentucky to Clarence McDonald and Evelyn (Tucker) McDonald. Charletta was a homemaker and a full time granny. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing crossword puzzles and video games. Charletta also enjoyed fishing and gardening, and was a diehard UK fan.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Larry Sumner; father-in-law, Mark Sumner; a brother, Gene McDonald; a sister, Patty Soka; and brothers-in-law, Robert Stephens and Thurstle Ridener.
Survivors include her children, Terry “Sputnik” McDonald of Somerset, Kentucky, Mark Sumner and wife, Stephanie, of Marshes Siding, Kentucky, and Marlo Sumner, also of Marshes Siding; grandchildren, Taylor and Tyler Sumner; mother-in-law, Jean Sumner of Marshes Siding, Kentucky; brothers, Dean McDonald of Ohio and Darrell McDonald of Indiana; sisters, Sue Ridener of Stearns, Kentucky, and Judy Warman and husband, David, of Nashville, Tennessee; brothers-in-law, Charles Sumner and wife, Carol, and Gerald Sumner and wife, Maedean, all of Marshes Siding, Kentucky; sisters-in-law, Sue Stephens of Somerset, Kentucky and Patty Murphy of Lexington, Kentucky; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.strunkfuneralhome.net
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Mrs. Charletta Sumner.
Charles “Fred” Taylor, age 85, husband of Wilma Ruth Taylor of the Parker’s Lake Community passed away on Monday, June 27, 2016 at the Baptist Health Corbin Hospital.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, July 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the McCreary County Funeral Home with Burial to follow in the Mill Springs National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Marine Corp. Visitation will be held Thursday evening June 30, 2016 from 6:00PM-9:00PM at the funeral home.
McCreary County Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Fred Taylor.
A complete obituary was not available at press time but will be printed in the next issue of The Voice.
Lindon A. Vanover age 82 years, 4 months, and 19 days of Whitley City, Kentucky passed away Thursday, June 23, 2016 at the Jean Waddle Hospice Center in Somerset, Kentucky.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 27, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Sewell officiating. Burial followed in the Neely’s Creek Cemetery.
He was born February 4, 1934 in Alpine, Kentucky to Samuel and Annie (Cook) Vanover. Lindon retired from National Steel as a Quality Inspector after 32 years. He enjoyed playing music, hunting, bird dogs, and listening to music, but first and foremost he was a family man.
Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Myrtle Dean (Neely) Vanover; a granddaughter, Mari Lynn; brothers, Clinton, Glenn, and Lawrence Vanover; sisters, Christine Stephens, Macie Neal, Goldie Hammock, and Alberta Smith.
Survivors include his daughters, Jeanne Lynn Mullins of Taylor, Michigan, Joyce Anne Dukus and Ruby Jennifer Vanover both of Whitley City, Kentucky, and Rebecca K. St. John of Trenton, Michigan; 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Mr. Lindon Vanover.
Betty Hatfield Bell age 88 years, 10 months, and 20 days, of Monticello, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the Wayne County Hospital.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Wayne Inman officiating. Burial followed in the Stearns Cemetery.
She was born July 23, 1927 in Stearns, Kentucky to Jason Hatfield and Louzetta (Hammock) Hatfield. Betty was a member of the East Appletree Baptist Church. She enjoyed caring for her home and her family.
Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Delma Bell; a brother, Royce Hatfield; and a sister, Gloria Branscum.
Survivors include her son, John Howard Bell and wife, Leisha, of Independence, Kentucky; a daughter Teresa John of Cincinnati, Ohio; brothers, Herman Hatfield and wife, Larue, of Corbin, Kentucky, Jason Hatfield and wife, Sue, of Monticello, Kentucky, Jimmy Hatfield and wife, Joyce, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Roger Hatfield of Lexington, Kentucky, Robert Hatfield and wife, Karen, of Stearns, Kentucky, and Gordon Hatfield and wife, Sue, of Whitley City, Kentucky; a sister, Mary Jane Cox of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.strunkfuneralhome.net
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Mrs. Betty Bell.
Sgt. Bailey Keeton, Jr., age 20 at the time he was declared Missing in Action (MIA), was a member of the United States Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was listed, on December 2, 1950, as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea.
In a battle zone in North Korea known as the Chosin Reservoir, Sgt. Keeton’s Company was brutally attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces. He was presumed dead and listed as Killed in Action (KIA) on December 31, 1953. Sgt. Keeton’s remains were recovered in a Joint Recovery Operation in 2004, and, after 66 years, will finally be coming home to Oneida, TN. His flight is scheduled to arrive at McGhee-Tyson Airport in Alcoa, TN, Thursday, June 23, 2016.
Sgt. Keeton was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Born April 21, 1930, Sgt. Keeton was the son of the late Bailey Keeton, Sr., and Elsie Simpson Keeton. He is survived by four siblings: Violet Davis of Riverdale, GA, Doris Jean Thompson of Monticello, GA, Ronald “Ron” Keeton and fiancé Barbara Fuller of Helenwood, TN, and Arnold Keeton and wife Bonnie of Knox, IN. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Friends may visit with the Keeton Family on Saturday, June 25, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home in Oneida, TN with Bro. Arnold Keeton officiating. Music will be provided by The Shepherd’s Way Quartet.
Graveside service will be held at the Hazel Valley Memorial Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with full military honors provided by the U. S. Army Honor Guard from Fort Campbell, KY.
Local obituary information courtesy of Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home.
Maxine (Roberts) Perry, age 69 years, 10 months, 29 days old, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2016 at her home. She went home to be with her beloved husband Ralph of 50 years and with this union came two children, Tim and Tammy. She was born on July 19, 1946 to the late Ralston and Lois “Sellers” Roberts.
Along with her husband Ralph Perry she is preceded in death by her brother Coy Roberts, an infant brother Robert Lee and an infant sister, Bernice.
Surviving family includes her son: Tim Perry and wife Jean, daughter Tammy Ledington and husband Doug, brother: Boyd Roberts and wife Freda, grandchildren: Ronnie Perry and wife Nicole, Brandon Perry and wife Nikki, Erica Perry and Nathan, Jessica Bryant and husband Jeremy, Peggy Masagale, Patrick Ledington, Jeffery Ledington, 10 great grandchildren, along with several nephews, nieces, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and many friends all whom she loved dearly.
Funeral services were Monday at the McCreary County Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial followed at Higginbotham Cemetery.
McCreary County Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements of Maxine Perry.
Raymond Melton Wilson, age 89, of Pine Knot, Kentucky, passed away Monday, June 20, 2016, at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Kentucky.
He was born January 27, 1927, in McCreary County, Kentucky, the son of the late Robert Nicholas and Rosa Rebecca (King) Wilson. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers: Emby Wilson and Columbus Wilson and his sisters: Flora Roberts, Mittie Anderson, Aliene King, Wilda Wilson as well as two infant sisters.
Surviving family includes his wife Cassie (Phillips) Wilson of Pine Knot, whom he married August 14, 1951; their son Wayne Wilson (wife Jackie) of Pine Knot, their grandchildren: Wayne Wilson, Jr. (wife Grace), Nicholas Wilson (wife Morgan) and great grandchildren: Kylie, Caleb, Trenton Ray, and Aubrey and a special niece Genny Jones.
Raymond was retired from Tibbals Flooring Company having worked there for more than 20 years. He also worked in the log woods. He was a member of the 2nd Otter Creek United Baptist Church.
Funeral services were Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Pine Knot Funeral Home with Bro. Gerald Mullins officiating.
Burial followed at the Kingtown Cemetery.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Kaden Lee Allen of the Parkers Lake community departed from this life on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 being 11 years, 8 months, and 20 days old. He was born in Somerset, KY on August 18, 2004. Son of Virgil Lane Allen and Shaina Madden and step son of Harvey Madden.
Kaden was a student at Whitley City Elementary School and had just completed the sixth grade. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, watching YouTube videos, playing on Facebook, and listening to music.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather Ricky Lane Allen.
Surviving family includes his parents: Virgil Lane Allen and Fiancé Angel, and her child Kacie Ball, Shaina Madden, and step father Harvey Madden, brothers: Kyler Lane Allen, James Michael Madden, sisters: Gracie Marie Allen, Summer Rae Madden, stepsisters: Victoria Mitchell and Patience Marler, grandmother: “mamaw” Teri Montgomery of Parkers Lake, KY, and Mary Goodman of Burnside, KY, Grandfather: Bradford Simms, “papaw” Robert Alan Montgomery of Parkers Lake, KY, aunt: Krysti Williamson of Corbin, KY, Amber Montgomery of Parkers Lake, KY, uncles: Ricky Ray Allen of Stearns, KY,, Robert Wesley Montgomery, Parkers Lake and Travis Allen of Somerset, KY.
Funeral Services: Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of the McCreary County Funeral Home.
Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery.
McCreary County Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.
Betty L. (Hatfield) Bell age 88 of Monticello, Kentucky, widow of Delma Bell, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the Wayne County Hospital.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Stearns Cemetery.
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Betty Bell.
Nealer Coffey, age 77 passed away on April 20, 2016 at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset, KY.
Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Bell Farm, KY at 1:00 PM with Brother George Coffey officiating.
McCreary County Funeral is entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Nealer Coffey.
Geneva Elsie Griffis age 94 years, 2 months, and 29 days of Stearns, Kentucky passed away Friday, June 10, 2016 at her home.
Funeral services were held Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Randall Meadows officiating. Burial followed in the Hickman Cemetery.
She was born March 12, 1922 in Smithtown, Kentucky to Shelby Curtis “Webb” Worley and Lida Belle (Fore) Worley. Geneva had attended the Pleasant Rock United Baptist Church. She retired from McCreary Manufacturing and had also worked for Kroger and American Standard. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, and spending time with her family.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Raymond Griffis; an infant daughter, Patricia Griffis; a daughter, Linda Hollingsworth; brothers, Hobert Worley and Hurstle “Whiz” Worley; and sisters, Joyce Hickman, Ruby Tucker, and Gladys Rich.
Survivors include her sons, Raymond “Buddy” Griffis of Stearns, Kentucky, Toby Griffis of Revelo, Kentucky, and Dale Griffis and wife, Crystal of Pine Knot, Kentucky; daughters, Shelby Watters and husband Bob of Marshes Siding, Kentucky and Retia Winchester of Smithtown, Kentucky; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; a special friend, Kathy Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Mrs. Geneva Griffis.
Beatrice Zola Kennedy, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Kentucky.
Beatrice was born on December 16, 1929, the daughter of the late Thomas and Allie (Madox) Helton. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Otis Kennedy, two daughters, Carol Proctor and April Maggard, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, five brothers: Brian, Donald, Elmer, Herbert, and Bill Helton, and four sisters: Hazel Perkins, Ethel Christerson, Elsie Weist and Joyce Helton.
Surviving family include five sons: Michael Kennedy, Gerald Kennedy, Anderson Kennedy, John Kennedy and Gary Kennedy, 11 daughters: Patricia Jones, Brenda Vanover, Shelby Davis, Sharon Ridley, Deborah Conrad, Denise Bowman, Janice Bell, Pam Garland, Rita Garner, Rebecca Phillips, and Elaine Tucker. She has two surviving sisters: Martha Buckner and Peggy Turner, 56 grandchildren, 98 great grandchildren and over a hundred great great-grandchildren.
Beatrice was a homemaker who loved her children and enjoyed visiting with all her family and cooking for them. She was a hard worker but enjoyed playing bingo and reading.
Funeral services were Friday, June 10, 2016, in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Rev. David Troxell and Bro. Lucas Phillips officiating
Burial followed at Walkers Chapel Cemetery, Parkers Lake, Kentucky
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
George, Kidd, of Pine Knot, Kentucky, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset, Kentucky. He had attained the age of 88 years, four months and 16 days.
Born January 26, 1928, he was the son of the late James Garner and Lottie (King) Kidd. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Rose (Stephens) Kidd, a son, Stephen Paul Kidd, an infant daughter, Kathy Lavern Kidd, two brothers: Dester Kidd and Edward E. Kidd, and two sisters: Bernice Kidd and Laura Stephens.
Surviving family include two daughters: Sharon Roberts (husband Dewayne) of Loudon, Tennessee, and Janice Waters (husband Jack) of Somerset, Kentucky, a sister Vina Duncan of Georgetown, Kentucky, eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren plus one on the way.
George’s working career included 11 years with the Southern Railroad; he worked for D. H. Campbell, Inc, hauling coal and he was a cattle farmer. He was in the U.S. Army during WWII and Korea. He was a member of the Sulfur Springs Baptist Church. He loved music, hiking in the woods and talking with people. He had a great love for people and a gift for getting to know and love them. His life on earth will be greatly remembered and cherished by all those that knew and loved him.
Funeral services were held Sunday, June 12, 2016. Burial followed at Pine Knot Memorial Gardens.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Geneva Jo Ridener, age 45, of Helenwood, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday June 11, 2016 at the Pioneer Community Hospital of Scott in Oneida, Tennessee.
Funeral services were Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at the Sawyer Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Dan Ridener officiating with burial to follow in the Sawyer Cemetery.
She was born at in New Castle, Indiana, on November 7, 1970, daughter of the late Karl C. Ridener and Kathryn (Grider) Lunsford of North Vernon, Indiana. In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by a step mother Sheryl Spetz, a sister Ann Marie Ridener.
Surviving family include her mother Kathryn Lunsford, four daughters, Angel Renee Williams, Cortny Cheyenne Carter, Lindsey Jo Daugherty, and Autumn Lynn King, two brothers Karl Curt “KC” Ridener Jr., and Arlo Curtis Ridener, two sisters Kathleen Ross and Dianna Sue Smith daughters. Geneva is also survived by two granddaughters Jaysey Rae Williams and Ivy Mae Carter.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family of Geneva Jo Ridener with her funeral arrangements.
Infant Colton Jacob Tucker passed away on June 12, 2016 at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. He was born on June 12, 2016 in Somerset, KY son of Tyler Ray Tucker and Amy Wilson.
He is preceded in death by his sister: Paige Rashae Tucker, grandmother: Debbra Kidd, and great grandfather: Earl Wilson.
Surviving family includes his parents Tyler Tucker and Amy Wilson of Pine Knot, KY, sister: Alexis Lindsay May Wilson, grandparents: Craig and Wilma Wilson of Pine Knot, KY, Jeff Tucker of Whitley City, KY. Great grandparents: Henry and Ruby Tucker of Whitley City, KY, Kathy and Larry Kidd of Stearns, KY, Lora Ross of Pine Knot, KY, Mamie Watson of Pine Knot, KY. Aunts/Uncles: Chy and Vandairs Tracey of Stearns, KY, Ashley and Billy Cooper of Strunk, KY, Heather Wilson of Pine Knot, KY, and Dustin Wilson also from Pine Knot, KY.
Graveside Services were Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the Angel Cemetery Stearns, KY.
Officiating: Bro. Allen Coffey
McCreary County Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.
Infant Paige Rashae Tucker passed away on June 12, 2016 at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. She was born on June 12, 2016 in Somerset, KY daughter of Tyler Ray Tucker and Amy Wilson.
She is preceded in death by her brother: Colton Jacob Tucker, grandmother: Debbra Kidd, and great grandfather: Earl Wilson.
Surviving family includes her parents: Tyler Tucker and Amy Wilson of Pine Knot, KY, sister: Alexis Lindsay May Wilson, grandparents: Craig and Wilma Wilson of Pine Knot, KY, Jeff Tucker of Whitley City, KY. Great grandparents: Henry and Ruby Tucker of Whitley City, KY, Kathy and Larry Kidd of Stearns, KY, Lora Ross of Pine Knot, KY, Mamie Watson of Pine Knot, KY. Aunts/Uncles: Chy and Vandairs Tracey of Stearns, KY, Ashley and Billy Cooper of Strunk, KY, Heather Wilson of Pine Knot, KY, and Dustin Wilson also from Pine Knot, KY.
Graveside Services were Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Angel Cemetery Stearns, KY.
Officiating: Bro. Allen Coffey
McCreary County Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.
Albert Todd Jr., 83, a native of McCreary County, died August 26, 2014, in Sun City, Florida, at Sun City Hospice House after an extended illness. A resident of Seminole, Florida, for more than thirty years, Al resided with his son David in Valrico, Florida, for the last ten years.
Born on December 5, 1930, in Revelo, Kentucky, he was the son of the late James Albert and Phronie Etta Young Todd. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant brothers, Sonnie and James Todd; three sisters, Lois Todd, Lillis Moses and June Jones; and special nephew and niece, Linville and Shirley Lloyd, who were raised with him.
Al graduated from McCreary County High School and volunteered with the U.S. Navy. A Korean War Veteran (USN-VF53), he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (3) and Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He graduated from Morehead State University with a bachelor’s degree in education (emphasis on physical education) and a minor in biology. While a student at MSU, he was active in the drama department appearing in a number of plays and in the men’s MSU Campus Club. He attended Morehead United Methodist Church.
While residing in Rowan County, Al taught physical education at Farmers Elementary before transferring to Morehead Grade. He helped Paul Ousley start the first football program at Rowan County High School. He also coached football, basketball and Little League. Al was a positive role model who encouraged his players and inspired them to be the best they could be. He had a similar influence with the numerous student teachers who worked with him.
When Al moved to Florida, he taught physical education at Oak Grove Middle School in the Pinellas County School System until his retirement. In addition, he refereed basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball.
Al was always eager to share his very conservative political views. An avid golfer, he played several times a week. He also was known as one who never missed an opportunity to tell a joke. Extremely close to his grandchildren, Florida Grandpa loved spending time with them. He looked forward to his visits back “home” to KY to visit family and friends.
Al was married to Greta Bo Lewis from 1956-1968. They were the parents of three children and owned Bo’s School of Dance in Morehead. He assisted with numerous dance recitals and musical productions, making scenery, building props, and lighting.
Al is survived by son, David W. Todd (Nettamarie Tedder) Valrico, Florida; Angela LaPlace, St. John, Virgin Islands; and Aleshi Gregory (Darwin) of Morehead; five grandchildren, Gregory Todd, Ashley Todd, Hannah Stansel, Kevin LaPlace, and Matthew Gregory; one great grandson, Tristan David Todd; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service with family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the Todd Family Columbarium at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2835 Flemingsburg Road, Morehead, KY 40351.
Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is assisting with arrangements.
View or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com
Nealer Coffey, age 77 passed away on April 20, 2016 at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset, KY. Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Bell Farm, KY at 1:00 PM with Brother George Coffey officiating. McCreary County Funeral is entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Nealer Coffey.
A complete obituary was not available at press time but will be printed in the next issue of The Voice.
Farris Foster departed from this life on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital being 68 years, 2 months, and 20 days old. He was born in Cookville, Tennessee, on March 16, 1948 to the late Hobart Foster and Lucille Lafevers.
Farris was a Master Plumber having obtained his degree in Cincinnati, Ohio. He enjoyed riding four-wheelers, camping, playing with his grandchildren and eating.
Along with his parents he is proceeded in death by his Infant son: Farris Lee Foster, daughter: Kelly Angel Foster, and brother: Butchie Foster.
Surviving family includes his loving wife Sue Foster whom were married October 22, 1977. Son’s: Eric (Chrissy) Foster of Burnside, KY, Zackery Vanover Foster, brother: Buddy Foster of Cincinnati, Ohio, grandchildren: Jasmine Foster, Emma Jean Foster, Andrew Owens Foster, Janet Hunter Foster, Dalton Carter Foster, and Tracey Hunter.
Graveside services were Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Roberts Chapel Cemetery.
McCreary County Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Farris Foster.
Erskin Manuel Jones Jr., age 67, of Pine Knot, Kentucky passed away Saturday June 4, 2016 at his home with his family by his side..
He was born June 30, 1948, in Jellico, Tennessee, the son of the late Erskin Manuel and Bertha Emma (Duncan) Jones. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by two great grandchildren Cameron Parton and Jordan France.
Surviving family include his wife of forty five years Christine (Boyatt) Jones, a son Travis Jones two daughters Cindy France and husband George and April Smith, three special great grandchildren that he was raising Nevaeh France, Uzziaeh Hayworth, and Amethyst Hayworth, three brother William, Roy, and Barry Jones, and four sisters Wanda Kilby, Brenda West, Helen Brewster, and Patricia Stanfill. Also surviving is 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and aunt Ocia Lay.
Mr. Jones worked as a mechanic and electrician for Kidds Excavating. He was a member of the Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church. Manuel enjoyed vacations, deer hunting, fishing, four wheeling, jeeping, working on cars, cave codes, and grandchildren and his family time.
The family extends a special “thank you” to the his brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were Wednesday, June 8, 2016, with Rev. David Troxell and Bro. Rick Wilson officiating. Burial followed in Musgrove Cemetery, Pine Knot, Kentucky
Pine Knot Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.
Lora Mae Murphy, age 87, of Pine Knot, Kentucky, peacefully passed into eternal life on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. She was at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset, Kentucky.
She was born September 10, 1928, at Strunk, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Harrison and Hattie (Jones) Miller. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Luster Murphy; three sons: Kenneth Charles Murphy, James Murphy (and his wife Joyce Murphy) and Joseph Luster Murphy, two brothers: Ernest Miller and Walter Miller, and seven sisters: Sally Murphy, Allie Baker, Alma Cordell, Betty King Todd, Delta June King, Ernestine King and Juanita Strunk. Four grandchildren also precede her in death: Leland Murphy, Dustin Spurgeon, Sharon Burchfield and Charlie Murphy.
Surviving family include five daughters: Mary Burchfield and Carl of Muncie, Indiana, Wanda Worley and Danny of Revelo, Kentucky, Bonnie Bell and Curtis of Monticello, Kentucky, Brenda Taylor (and Daniel Stringer) of Somerset and Paula Crowley and Tony of Pine Knot, two sons: L.D. Murphy and Ruth Ann of Muncie, Indiana and Larry Murphy and Kim of Muncie, one brother: Harrison Miller, two sisters: Shelby King and Pauline Wilson, as well as 23 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and two special friends: Paul Chambers and Jim Morgan.
Ms. Murphy had worked at the Whitley City Motel as a cook for 26 years. She loved to cook and spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing games with her kids and she enjoyed watching birds, especially humming birds.
The family extends a special “thank you” to the staff of the Signature Health Care facility where Ms. Murphy was a resident for 14 years.
Funeral services were Saturday, June 4, 2016, with Rev. Kenneth Thompson and Bro. Kendall Parnell officiating.
Burial followed in Jones Cemetery, Strunk, Kentucky.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with her local arrangements.
Mr. Jimmy Joe Pennington, age 74, of Helenwood passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Mr. Pennington was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Hazel Pennington; brothers, Denzil and Noel Pennington; sisters, Brenda West and Joyce Trosper.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Martha Pennington; sons, Joseph Pennington and wife, Syble of Athens, Georgia, Jerry Pennington and wife, Libby of Stearns, Kentucky, and Jackie Pennington of Helenwood, Tennessee; daughters, RuthAnn Ridener of Somerset, Kentucky, Trish Neal and husband, Matt of Oneida, Tennessee, and Jeanie Pennington of Oneida, Tennessee; step-children, Doug, Reuben, Wendell, Carol, and Willett Brackett, and Karen Robinson; grandchildren, April, Jacob, and Michael Ridener, Linsey, Lauren, Kolton, and Kyler Pennington, Amber, Austin, Adam, and Amanda Neal; brothers, Hoey Pennington of Oneida, Tennessee, Paul Pennington and wife, Linda of Winfield, Tennessee; sisters, Jewel Cox of Winfield, Tennessee, Wanda Ashcraft and husband, Tony of Cincinnati, Ohio, Willa Sexton and husband, Bobby of Robbins, Tennessee, and Carolyn Stephens of Oneida, Tennessee; lifetime friends, Clarence Trosper and Linford Lay, and special friend, Shane Blevins; along with many other friends and relatives.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Robert King and Bro. Don Dilbeck officiating. Interment followed in the Jimmy Pennington Family Cemetery.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.jonesandsonfh.net
Local obituary information courtesy of Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home.
Sherree Roark age 55 years, 6 months, and 6 days of St. George, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at her father’s residence.
Graveside services were held Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Angel Cemetery with Dr. Jerry Lowrie officiating.
Sherree was born on June 10, 1960 in Oneida, Tennessee, the daughter of Richard Graham Roark and the late Gail Sharon (Ball) Roark. She was a 1978 graduate of Dorchester Academy and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She was a former laboratory technician with LabCorp and a member of Memorial Baptist Church.
Surviving is her father Richard Graham Roark, of Reevesville, South Carolina; her fiance Marshall Richburg of St. George, South Carolina; aunts, Elizabeth Colleen Atkinson of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Evelyn Kathleen Cory, Terre Haute of Indiana; uncles, Dan Gimmer Roark and Sylvia of Chilhowie, Virginia, and Howard Granville Roark of Bluff City, Tennessee; and numerous cousins.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Miss Sherree Roark.
Bobby Sid Stephens, of Pine Knot, Kentucky, passed from this life on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in Stearns, Kentucky. He was 37 years old.
Born May 8, 1979, in Pine Knot, he was the son of Floyd Ray and Glenda (Malone) Stephens. He is preceded in death by his father, brother Ronnie Lee Spradlin, and aunt Peggy Stuteville.
Surviving family include his mother Glenda Stephens of Pine Knot, a brother Floyd Ray Stephens Jr. of Evensville Indiana; four sisters: Misty Stephens and companion Georgette Potter of Williamsburg, Christy Stephens and companion Billi Strunk of Huntsville, Tennessee, Sandy Spradlin and companion Judy Wilson of Pine Knot, and Kimberly Overton of Pine Knot, special cousin Pamela Davis, nephew Steven Spradlin and his soul mate Candace Bowlman. Bobby had two special friends Eric McDonald and Joy Jones.
Bobby worked as a carpenter. Bobby loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved being with friends and was loved by everyone.
In accordance with his wishes he was cremated.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family of Bobby Stephens with his arrangements.
Lowell Calvin Strunk was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 while at the Tennova Residential Hospice facility in Halls, TN. He was born in Strunk, KY on April 26, 1931 to the late Elijah and Dorothy Strunk.
He is survived by his wife June T. Strunk, daughter Wanda Stephens (Jay), sons Timothy (Jayna), and Randall (Ellen), and brothers Wetzel (Margaret), Renn (Dee), and sister Argylene Bridges, and grandchildren Bradley Stephens, Kimberly Stephens Wood (Ben), Angela Stephens and David, Heather, Hayley, John, and Josh Strunk and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Warren, and brothers Morris, Loran, and Chan.
He served in the US Navy during the Korean War as a radio operator. While crossing the Pacific Ocean 25 times, he thought of a beautiful girl back home named June whom he hoped to marry and how he would prepare himself to provide for her and their future children. Taking the opportunity afforded by the GI Bill, he graduated from the University of Kentucky with a civil engineering degree in 1959 and began his career at TVA in Knoxville. June and Lowell expanded their family there while attending Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.
He began his 24 year service to the City of Oak Ridge in 1967 as the City Engineer. Later as Oak Ridge City Public Works Director, Lowell enjoyed meeting citizens and providing them with clean drinking water, rarely interrupted electric service, and well-functioning roads. In remarkable contrast, yet consistent theme of character, Lowell grew up in rural America during the Great Depression carrying in firewood from the mountains and bringing in water from the creek for his family, and then he reached the pinnacle of his career by directing the provision of modern utility services for one of the nation’s most technologically advanced cities.
During his 47 years in Oak Ridge, Lowell and family faithfully attended and loved Robertsville Baptist Church and New Life Church of the Nazarene.
Funeral service were Saturday, June 4 at New Life Church of the Nazarene, 200 Lafayette Dr. Oak Ridge, TN, where you were invited to share a story about Lowell.
A graveside service was held on Sunday, June 5 at Jones Cemetery in Strunk, KY. Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family of Lowell Strunk with his local arrangements.
Mrs. Leila Jane Ball Phillips Craig, age 92, of Winfield, TN passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center. Born September 12, 1923, she was the daughter of William Columbus Ball, Sr. and Bertha Stephens Ball and had been employed as a nurse’s aide.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Craig was preceded in death by her first husband, Obie Phillips, her second husband, James Craig; grandson, Anthony Ball; great-grandson, Nicolas Roberts; daughter-in-law, Velma Phillips; seven brothers, Everette, Curtis, Roy, Lloyd, Floyd, Columbus, Jr., and Stelly; four sisters, Retta, Mary, Nellie, and Sylvia.
Mrs. Craig is survived by four sons, Wendell Phillips and wife, Gloria, of Edgewood, Kentucky, Wayne Phillips of Salado, Texas, Wade Phillips and wife, Sherry, of Crittenden, Kentucky, and Terry Phillips and wife, Alana, of Indian Trail, North Carolina; three daughters, Wilda Ball and husband, Delmar, of Pine Knot, Kentucky, Wanda Neal of Winfield, Tennessee, and Wauita West of Winfield, Tennessee; two step-children, James Roy Craig and wife, Anita, and Angie Terry; brother, Howard Ball of Johnstown, Ohio; sisters, Osie Reams of Lancaster, Ohio, and Pine Egghoff of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; 27 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday May 31, 2016 in the chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home.
You may sign Mrs. Craig’s online guestbook at www.jonesandsonfh.net
Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family on Mrs. Leila Jane Ball Phillips Craig.
Billy Ray Daugherty, age 68, of Pine Knot, Kentucky, passed from this life on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset.
Billy was born in Oneida, Tennessee, on January 2, 1948, the son of Elisha and Mattie (Hamby) Daugherty. His mother Mattie Daugherty precedes him in death along with a brother Denny Elisha Daugherty Jr. and a daughter Sharon.Surviving family include his father Elisha Daugherty of Pine Knot, his wife Thelma (Combs) Daugherty of Pine Knot, a son; Christopher Shawn Daugherty and wife Nikki Danielle of Somerset, Kentucky, a daughter Karen Renate Workman and husband Mark of Muncie, Indiana, four sisters; Thelma Joyce Gregory and husband Reed of Monticello, Kentucky, Donna Strunk and husband Darrell of Pine Knot, Janie Foster of Pine Knot and Marilyn Cookie King also of Pine Knot, six grandchildren; Mason Ray Daugherty, Raegan Alyssa Daugherty, Heather Ranee Utsler, Chelsea Michelle Strouse, Lauren Ashley Workman, and Lucan Andrew Workman, and one great grandson grayson Parker Strouse.
He was a member of the Hayes Creek Church of God. Bill was a barber, hair stylist, and long haul truck driver. He enjoyed jeeping, camping, boating, and his long time friend Rusty Boots that he loved dearly.
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 29, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Rev. Landon Sexton and Rev. Harvey Logan officiating.
Burial was at the Pine Knot Memorial Gardens.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family of Bobby Stephens with his arrangements.
Orange Nadine Jones, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the age of 73 years. She was born on March 15, 1943, in Greenwood, Kentucky the daughter of the late Willie and Angeline Spradlin Young.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a daughter, Dee Annette Smith, three brothers: James, Floyd and George Young. One sister: Rosie Lewis. Surviving family include her husband, Porter Jones, Somerset, KY. Daughters: Marcy & husband Gregg Dillman, and Kim Morgan all of Somerset, Kentucky. Sons: Roger & Tami Smith, also of Somerset, Kentucky. Brothers: Joe & wife Bernice Young, and Robert Young, of Burnside, Kentucky. Sisters: Marty and husband Vick Alosis, Cincinnati, Ohio. Ruth Slaughter and Dorothy Young of Somerset, Kentucky. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
She was a nurses aid at Brent Haven. She enjoyed camping, sewing, reading, watching the TV show “Naked & Afraid”, but mostly she loved baby sitting and spending time with her grandchildren.
Funeral Services Saturday, May 28, 2016. Burial followed in Cooper Creek Cemetery.
McCreary Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements of Orange Nadine Jones.
Wilbur Dean Murphy age 84 years and 27 days of Pine Knot, Kentucky passed away Friday, May 27, 2016 at his home.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 30, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Hap Strunk and Bro. Stewart Jones officiating. Burial followed in the Lower Cal Hill Cemetery.
He was born April 30, 1932 in Pine Knot, Kentucky to John Wesley Murphy and Robbie Lee (Lingo) Murphy. Wilbur was of the Baptist faith. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict. During his time in the Military he was honored to have met General Douglas McArthur. Wilbur enjoyed listening to Bluegrass and classic country music. He also enjoyed watching television, especially classics such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza, those were his favorite. Wilbur was an animal lover and a vivid outdoorsman. He also enjoyed going coon and fox hunting.
Preceding him in death are his parents; a brother, Edsel Murphy; and sisters, Lenis Hill, Naomi Murphy, Lois Latimer, Blanche Douglas, and Edna Murphy.
Survivors include his sister, Peggy Wilson of Strunk, Kentucky; a special nephew, Roger Vann; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to the Sulphur Springs United Baptist Church for the John Wesley Murphy Scholarship Fund.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.strunkfuneralhome.net
Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Mr. Wilbur Murphy.
